Archive · 2 Aug 2026
FSSAI Issues Notices to Spirits Makers Over Flavour Violations
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government agency that makes sure food and drinks are safe.
It found that some alcohol makers were adding extra flavours that made their drinks taste like the real thing, like putting rum flavour in rum.
This is against the rules because the drinks should have their own natural taste.
FSSAI sent notices to the companies United Spirits Ltd and INBREW Beverages, telling them to stop.
They also checked other factories in Maharashtra and Goa and will take more action if needed.
FSSAI issued notices to United Spirits Ltd and INBREW Beverages for adding flavours that mimic the natural profile of alcoholic drinks.
The notices target plants producing McDowell’s No 1 Rum, Antiquity Blue Whisky, Royal Challenge Whisky, and other brands.
Violations include unauthorized use of added flavours, misleading age‑related claims, and improper blend age disclosures.
FSSAI clarified that flavouring substances are not prohibited, but must not imitate the product’s natural taste.
Further action is expected against six other manufacturers in Maharashtra.
- Who
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, United Spirits Ltd, INBREW Beverages
- What
- Issued notices for adding flavours that mimic natural liquor profiles and other regulatory violations
- When
- August 2, 2023
- Where
- India – Baramati, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra
- Why
- To enforce the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Companies Targeted
- United Spirits Ltd, INBREW Beverages
- Violations
- Unauthorized added flavours, misleading age claims, improper blend age disclosures
- Affected Plants
- Baramati (rum), Madhya Pradesh (whisky), Goa (Mandexi Distilleries)
- Action
- Notices issued, inspections and sampling conducted
